Koning Cool: An Interview with Author Hans Koning - Page 5

You mentioned in an earlier question that you had been in some tricky situations while working as a foreign correspondent, though you hadn't feared for your life. I think that must take incredible bravery. Do you think it's that, or is it more that you just got wrapped up in what you were doing and so it wasn't an issue for you?

A: No bravery involved, just a certain laissez-faire shrug.

What advice would you give any young radicals today? Say, those who are looking to change the world in some way and still have that youthful optimism and belief?

A: I would perhaps call it a 19th century optimism – youthfulness doesn’t enter into it. "Keep going," I'd say, don’t take yourself too seriously, take the world very seriously.

In your own words, what would you say makes someone a true revolutionary as you certainly have been and continue to be?

A: I cannot answer that, it is all much more iffy and changing. A belief in human justice, perhaps; finding in the fearful mystery of life a reason to make people's lives in general, and esp. children's lives as good as can be.

I know you once ran for office — which office was it? If after reading this, people want to vote for Hans Koning, what office would you fill?

A: I was running for Conn. state senator on a Green Party ticket. I came out second: the district was 80 % black-demo. (But then the Gov of CT put number 1 in his cabinet and I could have made it on the repeat election but decided time was better spent on writing.)

You've had so many amazing experiences in your life and at one time, I believe you were an attaché with the Dutch consulate, is that right?

A: Yes, after arriving in NY from Indonesia with a dollar in my pocket, the Dutch Embassy gave me a publicity job -diplomatic, no work permit needed, and tax-free Scotch at a dollar a bottle.

It's easy to see given how you've lived your life, with your foreign correspondent days, the books you write and their themes, that you sort of seem like a secret agent in some ways. Does that seem strange to you? Why do you think people view you that way, or do you not see it?

A: No, I don’t see that. A crypto-commie or an anarchist maybe, but not a secret agent. But make me an offer!

Article Author: Sadi Ranson-Polizzotti

Sadi Ranson-Polizzotti is a published writer in both the United States and Europe. She is widely known for her music commentary, particularly her writings about Bob Dylan about whom she runs a highly-trafficked site. …

Visit Sadi Ranson-Polizzotti's author page — Sadi Ranson-Polizzotti's Blog